The President discussed the new Digital Media Innovation program that was approved by faculty governance. The committee is asked to review and approve the new major to be submitted to the Board of Trustees for their approval. The next action is to submit the new program to the Board of Higher for final approval. 

D. Phillips asked if students would be able to sign up for this in the fall. The President responded, that is the current plan. 

The following faculty members were introduced: 

Dr. Kyle Moody, Associate Professor, Communications Media

Dr. J.J. Sylvia, Assistant Professor, Communications Media

Dr. Elisabet Takehana, Associate Professor, English Studies

J.J. Sylvia shared a PowerPoint that outlined the new program. He discussed how this program will assist in providing skilled prospects for the job market. He explained how pervasive digital media is in the world. The core importance of digital story telling is in all businesses. We are seeing these types of jobs openings all over the country. He referenced a couple of jobs that would benefit by this type of program. This major is designed to span many disciplines. He discussed data as it relates to the completion of digital media and game design. 

E. Takehana explained the planning process for this program. She emphasized the need to create a program that was innovative and capable of changing with the times when needed. She explained how the program originated and how the program was put together in lean budget times. She thought it was important to include a sense of civic engagement and responsibility as well. Part of it is to have a capstone project that engages the community. She explained the courses within the program. She also spoke about how new faculty could be responsive to the pathways or needs moving forward. She discussed that it was important to be nimble with the program. This program is credit lean by design and we want the program to stand alone, but it could be offered as a double major for students. She discussed the various credits involved. 

K. Moody thanked the Board for their time. He said the term innovation came from the idea of public performance, and that it means having an innovative curriculum. He spoke about how the major meets with Fitchburg State University’s goals and to stay current with what is going on in the world. We are constantly looking at job sites and internships to provide students with strong skills. This new program keeps us fresh and it’s both broad and focused. This has been a constant goal of public education. The goal is to strengthen and to learn from multiple perspectives from broad thinking. 

JJ. Sylvia opened the floor for questions.

There was vigorous discussion on internships, K-12 partnerships, competitive programs, course load, and enrollment. 

D. Irving stated that the Board of Higher will be looking to see how this new program is different than other programs in the system. 

There was discussion on competitiveness and the uniqueness of this program. 

There was a discussion on how this program could be a minor as well or a double major.